LOOK Dine-In Cinemas closes Downey theater after less than five years

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas installing signage at its Downey location on Nov. 22, 2021. (Photo by Eric Pierce)

DOWNEY — LOOK Dine-In Cinemas has closed its Downey location, marking the end of the dine-in movie theater’s short run in the city.

A notice posted on the theater’s doors this week informed customers that the location has permanently closed, thanking guests for their support and directing them to the company’s remaining Southern California theater in Glendale.

The notice stated that all LOOK gift cards and Infinity Club memberships will continue to be honored at the Glendale location, while existing ticket purchases will be fully refunded. Customers seeking refunds or assistance were advised to contact the company’s guest services department by email.

The Downey closure is part of a broader shutdown affecting multiple LOOK Dine-In Cinemas locations in Southern California, including theaters in Redlands and Monrovia. According to a report by the Whittier Daily News, signs appeared on the doors of the closed theaters Monday morning thanking patrons and confirming that Glendale is now the only remaining LOOK location in California.

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas offered a full-service moviegoing experience, combining first-run films with in-seat dining. Guests ordered food and drinks by scanning QR codes, with servers delivering items such as burgers, pizza, chicken wings, sundaes and cocktails directly to reclining seats equipped with tray tables.

The theaters were previously operated under the Studio Movie Grill brand before being acquired following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.

The Downey theater opened in 2021 as movie theaters across the region worked to recover from pandemic-related closures. While the concept initially drew interest, some customers later complained of inconsistent service and deteriorating seating conditions, including worn and damaged recliners, which became a frequent point of criticism in online reviews.

The Whittier Daily News reported that customers arriving for showtimes earlier this month found theaters in the process of shutting down, with some patrons sharing their experiences on social media. Phone calls to the company were not returned as of press time, according to the report.

The closure leaves the future of the Downey theater site unclear. No information has been released regarding potential redevelopment or a replacement tenant for the property.